Skip To Main Content

Related News

Straughter Named USA TODAY Second-Team All-American

Straughter Named USA TODAY Second-Team All-American

Football Dec 12
MONROE, La. – ULM junior cornerback Corey Straughter, who allowed the nation's lowest passer rating (13.5), lowest completion percentage (28.6) and fewest combined receptions for first downs and touchdowns (7), has been named Second-Team All-American by USA TODAY.
 
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Straughter recently garnered Third-Team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus. His 89.9 coverage grade ranked sixth-highest among all NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision cornerbacks, according to PFF.
 
He also ranked among the NCAA FBS in interceptions (tied for seventh with 5) and passes defended (tied for 13th with 15). A first-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection, Straughter led the league in both categories (tied Appalachian State's Shaun Jolly and Coastal Carolina's Chandler Kryst for the conference lead in interceptions). He allowed only one touchdown reception in 2019 (came in the season finale at the Ragin' Cajuns) and one explosive pass play (20-plus yards; came on the opening drive of Game 11 vs. Coastal Carolina). The Monroe, Louisiana, native finished the season with 23 tackles (18 solos, 5 assists).
 
"Corey Straughter is committed to becoming a complete cornerback," ULM head coach Matt Viator said. "He's an extremely competitive and gifted athlete. Corey has great ball skills, outstanding tackling ability, remarkable change of direction and plays the deep ball very well. He also has the knack for making big, game-changing plays.
 
"I'm awfully proud of the way Corey has developed throughout his career. He received his baptism by fire as a true freshman, and he's made great strides each year because of his outstanding work ethic. Corey is often the last player to leave the practice field because he's always working on the little things. He also understands the importance of investing the time to study film. Corey is a dedicated student of the game."
 
Straughter was selected to the PFF Sun Belt Conference Defensive Team of the Week three times this season: against South Alabama, at Texas State and against Georgia State.
 
He registered three tackles and a pass break-up in the home finale against Coastal Carolina.
 
Straughter intercepted Arkansas State's Layne Hatcher's third-down pass attempt at the Warhawk 36 and returned it 22 yards to set up ULM's game-tying touchdown (34-34) late in the third quarter. He also contributed three tackles and a pass break-up against the Red Wolves.
 
Earlier this season, Straughter recorded an interception in three consecutive games (back-to-back road games at Florida State and Iowa State and the Sun Belt opener against South Alabama).
 
His interception and 25-yard return to the Texas State 2-yard line in the final 90 seconds iced ULM's 24-14 win over the Bobcats. Straughter also recorded a career-high four pass break-ups and a solo tackle at Texas State.
 
He limited Memphis' leading receiver Damonte Coxie (entered the game with 18 catches for 278 yards and TD) to just two receptions for 18 yards.
 
With the score tied at 7-7 early in the second quarter of ULM's Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama, Straughter ended an 11-play, 62-yard drive to the Warhawk 13 by intercepting Cephus Johnson's third-and-goal pass attempt into the end zone. He added two tackles against the Jaguars.
 
He matched his season high with four tackles (all solo hits) to go along with an interception at Iowa State.
 
With ULM trailing Florida State 24-7 midway through the third quarter, the complexion of the game changed when Straughter intercepted James Blackman's first-down pass attempt along the sideline and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. It marked his second career interception return for a score. Straughter also tallied four stops against the Seminoles.
 
 
Print Friendly Version